Coventry Music Museum legends Pete and Julie Chambers given award by Prime Minister

Attraction volunteers 'happy and proud' to be given Points of Light award

by Izzy Sanders

08:29, 14 Sep 2017

Coventry Music Museum volunteers Pete and Julie Chambers have been recognised for their work in promoting and celebrating the region’s musical heritage.

Prime Minister Theresa May has awarded the pair the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Pete and Julie volunteer four days a week to promote Coventry Music Museum. Founded in 2013, the attraction has drawn more than 14,000 visitors to the area from 76 countries, including more than 20 school groups.

Pete and Julie have raised more than £100,000 for the museum, and Pete has created a trail of plaques through the city which provides an accessible way for tourists to familiarise themselves with important sites in the city’s musical history.

Pete and Julie said: “Volunteering in music is what we love doing, being careful not to blow our own trumpet of course.

“Though there are times you can feel invisible, getting told to keep up the good work is truly inspirational, especially when it comes from the Prime Minister. We are two very happy and proud Points of Light right now.”

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In a personal letter to Pete and Julie, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Through founding the Coventry Music Museum, you are celebrating Warwickshire’s musical heritage and attracting thousands of visitors to the area.

“Your fundraising and volunteering for the museum shows great commitment, and you should be very proud of creating a unique institution for your local area.”

Jim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South said: “I’m delighted Pete and Julie Chambers are receiving this award. It’s a rightful recognition of their passion and dedication for both music and our city.

"The work they've put in to make Coventry Music Museum a success is testament to their skill, dedication and enthusiasm for music and in particular, nurturing the next generation.

"I congratulate them both on this award and wish them the very best for continued success.”

Pete and Julie are the 776th and 777th winners of the Points of Light award. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.

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It has been developed in partnership with the successful Points of Light programme in the US. More than 5,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the US, and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have supported the partnership with Points of Light UK.

There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.